Charles Spencer, the Earl Spencer and brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has released a memoir offering a deeply personal and candid account of his sister’s life and their family’s experiences. The book, titled *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, coincides with the approaching 30th anniversary of Diana’s death.

In the memoir, Spencer portrays a version of Diana that diverges from the widely accepted public narrative. He challenges long-held perceptions about her upbringing, asserting that both he and Diana were recipients of parental affection despite common portrayals of an unhappy childhood. He also reflects on their experiences during their parents’ separation and time in boarding schools, describing moments of contentment amidst family difficulties.

Spencer recalls receiving news of Diana’s fatal car accident in Paris while in Cape Town, describing his initial disbelief and shock. He recounts the shift in media tone following her death and expresses resentment toward the press for their treatment of Diana both before and after the tragedy. The memoir is critical of the tabloid press, which Spencer suggests played a role in the pressures leading up to her death.

The book offers insights into the complicated relationship between the Spencer family and the British royal family. Spencer describes tense interactions with palace officials over funeral arrangements, notably a dispute over whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind Diana’s coffin. He reflects on conversations with Prince Charles, portraying a strained dynamic and including pointed, private remarks from the Prince of Wales regarding his own family circumstances.

Spencer also shares recollections of Diana’s personal struggles, including her battle with eating disorders and mental health challenges, and touches on the impact of her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles. He expresses a belief that Diana was ultimately a casualty of relentless media scrutiny fueled by the tabloid press.

Central to the memoir is Spencer’s account of delivering the eulogy at Diana’s funeral in 1997. He presents this moment as both a deeply personal tribute and a defining public event, emphasizing the solemn responsibility he felt to represent his sister truthfully and to honor her memory. Spencer critiques earlier funeral speakers and underscores the lasting significance of his oration, including its famous line referring to Diana as the "People’s Princess."

The memoir also includes reflections on the Spencer family’s aristocratic heritage and Spencer’s own career prior to the funeral, which he describes as training for his role in honoring Diana’s life. Throughout the narrative, Spencer expresses a complex mixture of grief, frustration, and affection while giving a rare glimpse into the private life of one of the most scrutinized families in modern British history.

*Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* is published by Michael Joseph.